Jimmy Darrell Bates, 72, of Pocahontas, Arkansas, passed away on December 4, 2024, at Pocahontas Nursing and Rehab Center.
Born on October 13, 1952, in Pocahontas to the late Edward J. Bates and Francis Chamberlain Bates, Jim lived a life filled with hard work, creativity, and a passion for the things he loved. He worked as a frame worker at Magee, where he was recognized for his craftsmanship and won several awards for his framework. Jim had a deep love for fishing and enjoyed building rockets and signs, earning him the affectionate nickname “Rocket Man.” He was a kind and good-hearted man, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Jim was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol Bates, and his brother-in-law, Don Burgess.
Jim is survived by his children, Jimmy Joe (Amanda) Bates and Marie Kennedy, Lashae (Tony) Ward, all of Pocahontas and Shelby Thompson of Newport; his grandchildren, Darrell Joseph Bates, Emile Roseann Bates, Lucky Ryan Bates, EmmaJenn Hurst, and Adrian Hurst; and his siblings, Sharon Burgess of Pocahontas, Linda (Gary) Rooker of O’Kean, Clifford Bates (Tonya Eagan) of Michigan, Robin (Mario) Rodriguez of New Mexico, Ruth (Randy) Patterson of Pocahontas, and Bob (Dina) Bates of Paragould.
Jim’s family and friends will cherish his memory and the joy he brought into their lives. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation will be 11:00 – 12:00 pm Saturday, December 7, 2024, in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel with the funeral service to being at 12:00 pm.